CLASS II & III SOUTH FORK RIVER RAFTING & KAYAKING

Rafting

Escape from it all with a full day of rafting or kayaking on the South Fork Smith River, California’s last and largest un-dammed river.

Splash through fun Class II and III rapids and sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery in the calm emerald pools and impressive rock gorges.

As the Smith River’s largest tributary, everything feels bigger on the South Fork, from the mountains to the scenery to the rapids — including the steep Class III+ Surprise Falls rapid to end the trip. Surprise Falls can be portaged easily if it looks too intimidating.

This full-day trip will thrill you with its dramatically changing scenery, from sparse serpentine geology to lush, fern-covered rainforest banks from the basin’s 100+ inches of rain per year. Don’t worry: rain is scarce in the summer and we provide quality wetsuits and drysuits to keep you comfortable at any time of year.

The South Fork Smith will thrill you with its awesome whitewater, waterfalls and ample wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey and river otters. It’s a day of rafting or kayaking you’ll never forget!

Kayaking

By late June, the South Fork is typically too low for rafting and becomes an incredible kayaking adventure through early August. The South Fork Smith can be kayaked during rafting levels as well, although we recommend rafting for all but the more experienced kayakers above certain river levels. Splash through fun Class II and III rapids and sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery during the calm emerald pools and impressive rock gorges.

Our organic picnic lunches are loaded with fresh fruit and veggies in addition to a sandwich bar and chips.

Our South Fork Smith trips are either 6.5 or 12 miles long depending on river levels. Guests that take a trip from October through early May are more likely to see the whole twelve miles!